So I went back to the doctor Friday to find out that the leak is actually in my band.. something that my doctor has never had happen to any of his patients and has rarely ever heard about from other doctors. Luckily, the company of the Realize Band are willing to replace the band for free, but I still have to pay for the hospital fees and anesthesia.. another $2300 after the useless port revision surgery I had 2 weeks ago. I think that I am really just annoyed at the fact that I had no idea that these types of surgeries (ones that you have no power over) would cost a lot more money on top of what you already paid to have the initial surgery. Not only that, but when your doctor is wrong about a surgery I think he should reimburse you for it.. but I guess that's not going to happen.

I pray that none of you guys have to go through what I have gone through because it's taking a toll on me.. I guess I just have to wait to see if I get approved for another loan to have this surgery as soon as possible and I will go from there..

Good luck to all!

-Allie

I can't offer any help or advice but I did want to tell you I think what has happened to you is pretty awful! I do think your doc should not charge you his fee...or work with you on it somehow. I feel for you!

That is absolutely awful and I am so sorry to hear about it. I work at a hospital and it sucks but when stuff like this happens you are still on the hook for the fee. The only thing I would check is to see if the company is willing to cover any of the cost of your new surgery, you should contact realize themselves because it is their screw up. Good luck to you!

Sorry to hear about you mishap. What were some of your symptoms that made you find out you had a leak?

I had absolutely no restriction all of a sudden.. I was eating more and I could eat anything including bread. Other than that, there were no other symptoms, but I knew there was something wrong.

Sorry for your bad experience...I also think the doc should waive part of the fee!! For those of you who arent banded yet, my doc says the Realize has much thinner silicone walls where the saline is than the Allergan (regular old lap band) and thats why he doesnt use it.